Energetics and dynamics of solvated biologically relevant molecules using liquid microjet and ion imaging technologies. The shape of many biomolecules in solution plays a critical role in determining their biological activity and function. It is known that the bonds that form between the biomolecules and the water solvent control this shape. However, very little is known about the strength and structure of these bonds at different sites around the biomolecule. Many experiments have informed u ....Energetics and dynamics of solvated biologically relevant molecules using liquid microjet and ion imaging technologies. The shape of many biomolecules in solution plays a critical role in determining their biological activity and function. It is known that the bonds that form between the biomolecules and the water solvent control this shape. However, very little is known about the strength and structure of these bonds at different sites around the biomolecule. Many experiments have informed us about the strength of the bonds, others have told us where the bonds occur. This project will provide both pieces of information for the first time, allowing us to better understand, and therefore control, biological function. This work will assist in the development of new biotechnology processes, especially in the emerging area of proteomics.Read moreRead less
In situ Raman spectroscopic studies of iron and calcium biomaterials in marine chiton teeth. The future of biomaterial science in Australia depends upon the discovery and refinement of new materials. This project characterizes the biomaterials in the feeding apparatus of Australian marine chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Like many biological structures, chiton teeth are sophisticated composite materials that have been refined by evolution over millions of years. Initially composed of the poly ....In situ Raman spectroscopic studies of iron and calcium biomaterials in marine chiton teeth. The future of biomaterial science in Australia depends upon the discovery and refinement of new materials. This project characterizes the biomaterials in the feeding apparatus of Australian marine chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Like many biological structures, chiton teeth are sophisticated composite materials that have been refined by evolution over millions of years. Initially composed of the polysaccharide chitin, these extremely hard teeth are mineralized with calcium and iron compounds and used to excavate the rocks on which they live, as they graze for food. Understanding the mechanism of biomineralization is vital for devising synthetic routes to composite materials for industrial purposes.Read moreRead less
Electrostatic complementarity: A unifying principle in molecular crystal structures. Many technological advances are underpinned by the development of crystalline materials with desired physical properties. By exploring and quantifying the concept of 'electrostatic complementarity' in crystal packing, the project will give researchers access to a powerful suite of tools to assist in the greater understanding of intermolecular interactions.
Growth dynamics and innovative spectroscopic techniques for real-time control of advanced electronics materials grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Many important semiconductor devices for communications, lasers, high speed electronics and optical sensing are based on materials grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE). This research will provide the first measurements of the reactions taking place during MBE and thus enable accurate growth of the complex multi-layered material required for improved se ....Growth dynamics and innovative spectroscopic techniques for real-time control of advanced electronics materials grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Many important semiconductor devices for communications, lasers, high speed electronics and optical sensing are based on materials grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE). This research will provide the first measurements of the reactions taking place during MBE and thus enable accurate growth of the complex multi-layered material required for improved semiconductor devices. In particular, this project will make a major contribution to Australia's established capability to produce and develop state-of-the art infrared sensors as required for defence applications, remote sensing of minerals and pollutants, chemical analysis, and health diagnostics. PhD students will be trained in advanced semiconductor growth and optical sensing technologies.Read moreRead less
Host-guest interactions in the solid state: models for an enhanced understanding of supramolecular chemistry. Molecular aggregates involving host and guest molecules underpin the design and development of functional materials in areas as diverse as catalysis, targeted drug delivery and gas storage. Project outcomes will facilitate the rationalisation and prediction of their properties and inspire future development of these important materials.
Taming carbon dioxide: Molecular interactions in the solid state. This project aims to investigate what features of host-guest systems are needed to encapsulate carbon dioxide in the solid state, particularly organic interactions guided by solid state observations. Technologies that reduce and manipulate atmospheric carbon dioxide will rely on understanding the intermolecular interactions between volatile molecules and designed substrates. This project will use structural chemistry, accurate X-r ....Taming carbon dioxide: Molecular interactions in the solid state. This project aims to investigate what features of host-guest systems are needed to encapsulate carbon dioxide in the solid state, particularly organic interactions guided by solid state observations. Technologies that reduce and manipulate atmospheric carbon dioxide will rely on understanding the intermolecular interactions between volatile molecules and designed substrates. This project will use structural chemistry, accurate X-ray diffraction data, complementary neutron diffraction experiments, quantum chemical calculations and computer graphics. These observations are expected to guide the synthesis of more efficient hosts.Read moreRead less
Seeing chemical reactions: Electron pairing and energetics along pseudo-reaction pathways from high-resolution X-ray diffraction data. This project aims to see the electron pairs in chemical reactions by extending high-resolution X-ray diffraction experiments on molecules frozen along their reaction pathway. This knowledge will help chemists to control a desired chemical synthesis leading to new prospects in drug design or material science.
Anomalous Structural Response in Porous Framework Materials. This project targets a key missing link in understanding the host-guest properties of porous framework materials, namely, the dynamic response of host lattices to their external environment and to the inclusion of molecular guests. By combining advanced chemical, physical and structural measurements the project expects to provide the first concerted picture of materials behaviour across an array of scientific and technological settings ....Anomalous Structural Response in Porous Framework Materials. This project targets a key missing link in understanding the host-guest properties of porous framework materials, namely, the dynamic response of host lattices to their external environment and to the inclusion of molecular guests. By combining advanced chemical, physical and structural measurements the project expects to provide the first concerted picture of materials behaviour across an array of scientific and technological settings, with particular focus given to industrially relevant ‘real world’ conditions. This promises to greatly inform the on-going chemical design, formulation and process engineering of these materials, in turn accelerating their development in gas separation, energy storage and device componentry applications.Read moreRead less
Pathways for performance improvements of organic light emitting diodes . Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) represent the next generation technology for displays and lighting. Despite their rapid uptake, one of the factors limiting their application in lighting is the efficiency roll-off at high brightness. This project aims to work towards solutions for this problem using an innovative combination of simulation studies and experimental work. Expected outcomes include improved theoretical and ....Pathways for performance improvements of organic light emitting diodes . Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) represent the next generation technology for displays and lighting. Despite their rapid uptake, one of the factors limiting their application in lighting is the efficiency roll-off at high brightness. This project aims to work towards solutions for this problem using an innovative combination of simulation studies and experimental work. Expected outcomes include improved theoretical and experimental approaches leading to new design rules for OLEDs. This should provide significant benefits such as a pathway for development of improved efficient, high brightness OLEDs for applications in low energy consumption lighting and long-lasting, bright displays.Read moreRead less